In response to news articles that the Trump family have been urged not to invest further in the region
Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce chief executive Russell Borthwick, provided the following statement:
“We were very disappointed to hear Mr Spence’s comments suggesting to the Trump Corporation that it shouldn’t “spend another penny in Aberdeen” as there is “such a downturn in the area”. If this is his private view, then fine but why share it publicly?
“Our economy has suffered a shock but is still fundamentally strong with good momentum being made towards the renaissance region vision. Upping our tourism game and providing affordable homes for the workforce we need are two key elements of this.
“Eric Trump himself says that due to the changes in the oil price environment, it is important to diversify the economy and that investment is crucial. But we are simply not going to attract this investment if high profile business figures go around broadcasting to the world that we are effectively closed for business.
“Instead we should all be working together to accentuate the many positives about our city region; not talking it down. Only by doing this, will we convince people and organisations to bring investment, innovation, skills and jobs here; and retain those we already have.
“On a positive note, a recent EY report tells us that foreign direct investment increased by 100% here in 2016 v 2015 and that Aberdeen is 7th in the UK inward investment attractiveness league.”